Page 52 of Realms of Shadow and Sun
“I'm so glad to see you again,” Esmeralda said, her sweet tone filled with genuine affection.
“You too,” Renya replied, pulling back to look at her friend. “How long have you been here?”
“Three weeks,” Esmeralda explained. “After you left the Tidal Kingdom, my brother and I finished up some business in our own territory, and then ventured here to discuss aligning our forces with the Spring Lands.”
Grayden approached, his hand coming to rest on the small of Renya's back. “Esmeralda, it's so good to see you again.” He took Esmeralda's hand, bowing slightly to place a respectful kiss upon it.
Renya felt a flare of heat rush through her body, an unexpected surge of jealousy tightening her muscles. She tensed, then forced herself to relax as Grayden released Esmeralda's hand.
Esmeralda, ever perceptive, caught Renya's reaction. Rather than taking offense, she chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “I take it you finally sealed your bond.”
Heat crept up Renya's neck and into her cheeks, her embarrassment compounded by Esmeralda's astute observation.
Before Renya could formulate a response, Phillippe strode over, inserting himself into the conversation with his usual charm. “Are you going to introduce me to this lovely lady?” he asked, his gaze fixed on Esmeralda.
Renya watched as color bloomed in Esmeralda's cheeks, mirroring her own flushed state. “Phillippe, this is Princess Esmeralda from the Tidal Kingdom,” she said, gesturing between them.
Phillippe took Esmeralda's hand, bowing low to place a kiss upon it. His dark eyes remained locked on hers as he straightened. “I've heard much about you, but your beauty was never mentioned. What a travesty.”
Renya barely suppressed a snort at the flowery praise, but seeing how Esmeralda preened under the attention, she held her tongue. She didn't know Phillippe well enough to discern if his interest was sincere or if this was his standard behavior around beautiful women.
“Grayden!” A booming voice echoed across the entrance hall, drawing everyone's attention. King Triston approached, his presence commanding as always. He wore a pewter crown fashioned from intertwined eels and a chartreuse tunic paired with dark boots. While his face remained mostly impassive, a slight grin tugged at his lips as he clasped hands with Grayden. Grayden returned the gesture, clapping Triston on the back, and the two immediately fell into discussion about recent events.
Phillippe glanced between Esmeralda and the two kings, then sighed before joining their conversation about war strategies and alliances.
Renya knew she should participate in the discussion, but the joy of seeing a familiar, friendly face overwhelmed her sense of duty for the moment.
“I see you are wearing your mate's ring,” Esmeralda observed, nodding towards the snowflake engagement ring on Renya's finger. “I hope that we will be invited to the wedding if you've not already wed.”
Renya's hand went to the ring, her fingers brushing over it as a smile spread across her face. “Of course! I wouldn't dream of excluding you and your brother.”
Esmeralda gently took Renya's hand, examining the ring more closely. “It's beautiful,” she said, admiration clear in her voice.
“It's because of you that I still have it,” Renya said, gratitude coloring her words.
Esmeralda wrinkled her nose. “What do you mean?”
“I was taken hostage by the Shadow Queen—”
“Oh my goodness!” Esmeralda gasped, her eyes widening in shock.
“And she took my ring and flung it down into a ravine,” Renya continued. “The aragonite necklace you gave me led me to it.”
Esmeralda beamed, clearly pleased that her gift had proved so useful. “I had a feeling you would need it. But Renya, how did you escape from the Shadow Queen?”
Renya launched into her tale, recounting the harrowing events of her captivity and rescue. Esmeralda listened intently, her expressions shifting from shock to concern to relief as the story unfolded.
“Oh my, Renya!” Esmeralda exclaimed when she finished. “What are you doing here now?”
Before Renya could answer, a hush fell over the receiving room. She turned towards the doorway through which Esmeralda and Triston had entered earlier, and saw two regal figures approaching.
Queen Samatra glided into the room, slightly ahead of her husband. She wore a lilac gown that seemed to float around her, the fabric adorned with delicate floral patterns in deepening shades of purple. The fitted bodice accentuated her slender waist before giving way to a flowing skirt that cascaded to the floor, creating an ethereal effect with each step.
Instead of a traditional crown, Queen Samatra wore a floral headpiece composed of live flowers. The blooms, which Renya thought might be violets, ranged in color from deep purple to soft lavender, forming a graceful circlet atop her head.
Suddenly self-conscious, Renya became acutely aware of her own disheveled state. Her white nightgown was dirty and wrinkled from their journey, her braid had come undone with wisps of hair falling messily around her face, and she knew her skin was covered in a sheen of sweat and grime. She discreetly tried to hide her dirty hands behind her back, praying that no one would expect her to shake hands in greeting.
Won't stop me from kissing every inch of you, my mate, Grayden's voice sounded in her mind, warm with affection and desire.
